LaNorris Sellers could have left South Carolina in favor of the 2026 NFL Draft and may have been able to make a run at the QB2 spot behind Fernando Mendoza. As he returned for another season with Shane Beamer’s program, his outlook with the Gamecocks in 2026 remains a hot topic of discussion.
How South Carolina’s Thin Roster Affects LaNorris Sellers’ 2026 Outlook
On Episode 723 of “Josh Pate’s College Football Show,” Pate broke down his SEC quarterback rankings and explained why he remains uncertain about Sellers heading into South Carolina’s 2026 season.
“LaNorris Sellers, as much as I respect him as a player, because of his surroundings, I got to go low to medium confidence on him,” Pate said (7:00). “Offensive lines, just a massive question mark there, especially with the tackles out for spring… the depth of the receiver room beyond Nyck Harbor. I don’t know that they know. It’s a new system.”
Beyond Harbor, the receiver room lacks established playmakers who can consistently win one-on-one matchups, and Pate had additional concerns.
“They brought in Kendal Briles as offensive coordinator,” Pate further added. “That could be a revelation for all we know. I just don’t have a ton of confidence in it yet. And I am going to choose to be pleasantly surprised by tempering my expectations with South Carolina this particular year.”
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Sellers will now be working under his third offensive coordinator in as many seasons, as Briles, who was hired from TCU in December, takes over the offense. However, Sellers has expressed confidence in the transition.
While analysts like Pate have questioned the adjustment, Sellers said that Briles’ system closely resembles what South Carolina previously ran under Dowell Loggains.
“You’ve just got to take it as it is,” Sellers told The State. “Once they get introduced, you’re with them, so you have no choice but to get to know them and build a relationship. It’s similar, scheme-wise. It’s not all brand new (to me).
“He just wants (us) to be comfortable. He doesn’t want us to be robotic and all that. It’s just like, whatever timing feels right, however we feel comfortable, that’s what he wants us to do.”
Sellers threw for 2,437 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions in 2025, finishing the season with a 78.7 score in PFSN’s College Football QB Impact Metric, being ranked No. 70 in the nation. This was a dip in his production from the year before, as his completion percentage fell from 65.6% in 2024 to 60.8% in 2025.
